Register for food preservation online course by May 1

Learn all the research-based methods needed to safely and effectively preserve food and enjoy your own home-preserved food throughout the year by taking the new online MU Extension Food Preservation course.

This course covers pressure canning, boiling water bath canning, steam canning, dehydration and freezing. Highlights of the course include preserving salsas, pie fillings, pickling, sweet spreads and harvesting and storage of produce.

Each module includes processes and techniques, best practices, tips, as well as handouts.

Participants will learn to understand the importance of safety as it relates to food preservation; and will become familiar with the various research-based safe methods of food preservation.

Each participant will have the option of participating in a ‘hands-on’ food preservation workshop. These hands-on workshops will be available exclusively to online course participants; held locally throughout the state; and guided by a University of Missouri Extension faculty member.

In Springfield, the hands-on events will be held at Metro Appliances on June 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Aug. 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

In the southwest corner of the state, there will be a hands-on event in Neosho from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on June 5 and an August program that is still being scheduled.

The cost for the hands-on experience is included in the course registration fee. Registration for the hands-on course will be available within the online course materials.

Participants of all levels of food preservation experience are welcome, including individuals with little or no previous food preservation experience.

The cost for the course is $60. Register online at www.extension.missouri.edu under the “Online Courses” tab. Enrollment closes May 1.